Discover how to make Borș, a traditional Romanian sour soup featuring fermented wheat bran, succulent meat, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This savory soup is a staple in Romanian cuisine, known for its unique tangy flavor and hearty ingredients. Follow our easy recipe to bring the authentic taste of Borș to your table and enjoy a comforting dish that's rich in tradition and flavor.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup fermented wheat bran (Borș)

- 1 lb (450g) pork ribs or beef (cut into pieces)

- 1 large onion (chopped)

- 2 carrots (sliced)

- 1 parsnip (sliced)

- 1 bell pepper (diced)

- 2 tomatoes (chopped)

- 2 cloves garlic (minced)

- 1 bay leaf

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon dried dill

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat:

  - In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the pork ribs or beef and cook until browned on all sides.

Sauté the Vegetables:

  - Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Add Vegetables:

  - Add the sliced carrots, parsnip, bell pepper, and chopped tomatoes to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Simmer the Soup:

  - Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried dill. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.

Add Borș:

  - Stir in the fermented wheat bran (Borș) and let the soup simmer for an additional 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

  - Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh dill. Serve hot.

Enjoy your homemade Borș, a deliciously tangy and hearty Romanian soup perfect for any occasion!

Nutritional Value

Fermented Wheat Bran (Borș)

 - Calories: 60 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 15g

 - Fiber: 10g

 - Protein: 2g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Digestive Health: High in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and preventing constipation.

 - Gut Health: Fermented products contain probiotics that support healthy gut flora.

 - Nutrient-Rich: Provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Pork Ribs or Beef

 - Calories: 250 kcal

 - Protein: 21g

 - Fat: 18g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

 - Protein Source: Rich in high-quality protein, important for muscle growth and repair.

 - Iron: Provides heme iron, which is essential for red blood cell production and oxygen transport.

Onion

 - Calories: 40 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 9g

 - Fiber: 1.7g

 - Protein: 1.1g

 - Fat: 0.1g

Benefits:

 - Antioxidants: Contains quercetin and other antioxidants that combat inflammation and oxidative stress.

 - Heart Health: May help reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

Carrots

 - Calories: 41 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 10g

 - Fiber: 2.8g

 - Protein: 0.9g

 - Fat: 0.2g

Benefits:

 - Vitamin A: High in beta-carotene, which supports vision and immune function.

 - Antioxidants: Provides antioxidants that protect cells from damage.

Parsnip

 - Calories: 75 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 18g

 - Fiber: 4.9g

 - Protein: 1.2g

 - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits:

 - Digestive Health: High in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut.

 - Vitamin C: Supports immune function and skin health.

Bell Pepper

 - Calories: 20 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Fiber: 2.1g

 - Protein: 0.9g

 - Fat: 0.2g

Benefits:

 - Vitamin C: Extremely high in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.

 - Antioxidants: Contains various antioxidants that reduce inflammation and support overall health.

Tomatoes

 - Calories: 18 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 3.9g

 - Fiber: 1.2g

 - Protein: 0.9g

 - Fat: 0.2g

Benefits:

 - Lycopene: Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases.

 - Hydration: High water content helps keep the body hydrated.

Garlic

 - Calories: 149 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 33g

 - Fiber: 2.1g

 - Protein: 6.4g

 - Fat: 0.5g

Benefits:

 - Immune System: Boosts the immune system and has antimicrobial properties.

 - Heart Health: May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Bay Leaf

 - Calories: 313 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 75g

 - Fiber: 26g

 - Protein: 7g

 - Fat: 8g

Benefits:

 - Digestive Health: Aids digestion and can help alleviate digestive discomfort.

 - Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties.

Thyme

 - Calories: 101 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 24g

 - Fiber: 14g

 - Protein: 5g

 - Fat: 1g

Benefits:

 - Antimicrobial: Known for its antimicrobial properties that can help fight infections.

 - Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that support overall health.

Dill

 - Calories: 43 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 7g

 - Fiber: 2g

 - Protein: 3g

 - Fat: 1g

Benefits:

 - Digestive Health: Supports digestive health and can help reduce bloating.

 - Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress.